Frequently Asked Questions

NEW VIKINGS STADIUM CONSTRUCTION

After hiring both the stadium architect (HKS Sports and Entertainment Group) and builder (Mortenson Construction), the stadium’s schematic design was unveiled on May 13, 2013. An exciting ceremonial groundbreaking took place on December 3, 2013, in front of approximately 600 state and local leaders, business and labor representatives and Vikings fans. The Metrodome’s power was turned off on January 18, 2014, at which time the roof deflated for the fifth and final time (view time lapse video of deflation here).

Construction of the new fixed-roof stadium is already nearly 40% complete and continues to move at a rapid pace (view time-lapse of one-year groundbreaking anniversary). Approximately 75% of the entire concrete structure has been poured, while the steel roof ridge truss that will span the length of the stadium from east to west has just three sections yet to be placed. Installation of exterior metal panels and glass will begin in early 2015, and the stadium will be fully enclosed in December 2015. Over 700 construction workers are on site daily, a number that will swell to more than 1,100 in the coming months, and more than 200 Minnesota businesses have already contributed to the project.

Watch the construction process live through various 24/7 cameras here.

From day one a top priority for both the Vikings and the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA) has not only been to build the best multi-purpose stadium in the country but also to have a positive impact for Minnesota companies and workers. Without being required by legislation, HKS, the Vikings and the MSFA brought on more than 20 Minnesota companies or individuals as design subcontractors in areas like interior and exterior design, landscaping, structural engineering and more. And less than a year into construction, more than 200 Minnesota businesses had worked on the project and more than 80% of the contract dollars have gone back to Minnesota companies. The stadium’s construction manager, Mortenson Construction, is based in Golden Valley, MN, and the nearly 4.3 million work hours will go primarily to Minnesota construction workers. Whenever possible, local materials will be used throughout this project. For example, the glass and glazed curtain walls on the stadium’s exterior is being fabricated by Viracon, a Minnesota-based company. Other local products like kasota stone will likely be used for exterior signage or security perimeters, and with various interior design elements and needs, the project group will continue to ensure that Minnesota companies have the opportunity to bid on this project.

Recently, the Vikings and the MSFA also announced a partnership with Sports & The Arts to create a one-of-a-kind, museum-quality art collection for the new stadium that incorporates artwork created by local artists and showcases Vikings history, Minnesota sports history and other regional history. For more information or to submit your bio for possible inclusion, click here.

Yes, Mortenson Construction has announced the following recycling facts related to the ongoing demolition process: – More than 80% of the Metrodome’s steel and concrete will be recycled.
– 80,000 tons of concrete will be recycled for use in other building projects. – 4,500 tons of structural steel have been reclaimed and are being prepped for recycling off-site.
– 25 tons of precious metals have been recycled.
– 300 tons of roof cables have been recycled.
– 120 tons (240,000 pounds) of cast iron and 75 tons (150,000) pounds of plastic have been recycled from the Metrodome seats that were not sold.

Yes, the Vikings have engaged EarthCam to provide four stadium cameras – one live-streaming camera and three high-definition megapixel time-lapse cameras – to document the progress on the stadium project. Each camera offers a unique perspective of the site from various directions, enabling project teams to view activity remotely in real-time while documenting the entire process for time-lapse photography. The team will add a fifth camera in 2015 that will look west with the downtown skyline in the background.

NEW VIKINGS STADIUM DESIGN/FAN EXPERIENCE

The new stadium will have a fixed roof; however, 60% of the roof structure will be transparent, allowing stadium users to view the sun and sky throughout the year while staying in a climate-controlled environment.

The new Vikings stadium will provide several unique features compared to all other NFL stadiums, including the largest transparent ethylene-tetraflouroethylene (ETFE) roof in the nation and five 95-feet high pivoting glass doors that will open to a nearly three-acre plaza and the Minneapolis downtown skyline. While the stadium’s roof will be fixed, the transparent ETFE and the nearly 200,000 square feet of glass throughout the building will give fans an outdoor feel in a climate-controlled environment. Vikings fans will also be as close to the action as any NFL stadium, with seats just 41 feet from the sideline. Seven levels in the stadium, including two general admission concourses with 360-degree circulation and various views into the bowl, will be connected via escalators, elevators, stairs and a continuous ramp. Two of the largest and highest-quality HD video boards in the NFL will be located in both the east and west end zones, and approximately 2,400 HD flat screen televisions will be distributed throughout the stadium. Fans will enjoy wider concourses, more restrooms, increased and enhanced concessions, accessibility for fans with disabilities and ample space for pre-game events and activities. The stadium will also include a Vikings Hall of Legends and a team store. Click here for a list of stadium design elements.

ETFE is a co-polymer resin that is extruded into a thin film. The plastic-like material is transparent but can be treated to be translucent, is extremely light-weight, very durable and resistant to corrosion. In an architectural application ETFE is typically used in a multi-layer pneumatic system.

ETFE does not degrade with exposure to UV light, atmospheric pollution or extreme temperatures. The material has withstood extensive testing within extreme environments, and is expected to have a 30-50 year life expectancy while requiring minimal maintenance.

ETFE systems are extremely low maintenance. The surface of the foil is non-stick and non-porous, which allows the natural action of rain to clean the surface. Deposits of dirt, dust and debris remain unattached and are washed away in the rain, meaning ETFE effectively self-cleans with virtually no need to clean externally.

Several characteristics of this roof are designed for Minnesota’s climate. First, the slope of the stadium – rising from approximately 205 feet from grade in the east to 272 feet high in the west – will give the building a unique ability to shed snow. Secondly, the translucent ETFE material will allow more sunlight and radiant heat through the roof, which combined with the natural rise of heat from inside the stadium will help melt the snow and ice. Diverters will redirect it into gutters and collection basins located on the edges of the roof, keeping snow and ice from falling to the ground below.

While the final determination on the ETFE’s effect on crowd noise is still being studied, stadium architects say ETFE is a more “acoustically reflective material” than the Metrodome’s fabric roof and “should make the stadium louder.” Furthermore, the new stadium is entirely enclosed, including one half of the roof being a metal deck, and with the closest fans just 41 feet from the sideline, Vikings fans will be as close to the action as any NFL stadium. The difference is that the first row of seats will be elevated an average of seven feet off field level, or roughly twice the typical height of NFL stadiums, giving the fans in the first several rows optimal sightlines and allowing them to be more engaged. The reality is that fans truly make the difference in terms of noise, which is why stadiums like the Metrodome, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and Seattle’s CenturyLink Field are some of the toughest for visiting teams to have success. Read ESPN.com’s piece on new stadiums and home field advantage here.

In addition to the expansive glass and the transparent ETFE roof, all of which will allow natural light into the stadium, the Vikings have funded an upgrade to illuminate the field with high performance LED stadium lights from Ephesus Lighting, Inc., making the new stadium the first to choose LED lighting from the onset. The LED lighting will provide a significant increase in illumination compared to traditional metal halide lights that have been common at stadiums for more than 30 years. LED lighting also provides natural and more uniform light which improves the overall clarity of the playing surface, to create a better stage for players and fans, both in the stadium and those watching on high-definition television. Lastly, the new LED system is also consistent with the stadium’s mission to be as environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient as possible. It is projected to consume 75% less energy as compared to a traditional metal halide system.

The Vikings understand how important tailgating is for many fans, and the team is committed to ensuring that the tradition continues when the new stadium opens in 2016. Representatives from the Vikings are currently working with the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding neighborhoods in an effort to expand the City’s existing tailgating zone per the agreement between the State of Minnesota, the City and the Vikings that shaped the final 2012 stadium legislation.

Yes, the current design calls for 690 wheelchair and companion seats to be located throughout all seating levels of the stadium (in comparison, Mall of America Field had 190 wheelchair and companion seats). That number does not include the accessible seating within the suites, loge spaces and club spaces, or an approximate 140 additional wheelchair spaces. The new stadium will comply with all federal ADA requirements and will be designed to allow patrons with disabilities to enjoy the comforts and amenities of the building.

Yes, the Vikings and the Stadium Authority have worked with the architect and construction manager to make the stadium as environmentally and energy efficient as possible. The project design and construction group is committed to building a stadium that will receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. More details related to this will be available as the construction moves forward.

NEW STADIUM COST AND FINANCING

After an original budget of $975 million, the total project cost is now approximately $1.027 billion. The additional $52 million costs are being privately covered by the Vikings in order to ensure that design elements related to the fan experience are kept in the final project. The team/private contribution now includes just over $529 million (nearly 52% of stadium capital costs) while the public contribution toward the project remains at $498 million. The team has also absorbed a total of $23.2 million in costs of playing at the University of Minnesota for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. A breakdown of the team/private contributions is below:

Of the project’s now $1.027 billion upfront capital costs, more than $529 million, or nearly 52% of the stadium cost, will be paid by private funds made up of a combination of Vikings private financing and equity and the MSFA’s sale of Stadium Builder’s Licenses (SBLs). The Vikings private financing and equity includes certain NFL financing in the form of a loan repaid by stadium revenues. The Stadium Builder’s Licenses program was authorized by the Minnesota legislature in the 2012 stadium legislation (for more on SBLs, click here).

The remaining $498 million public contribution will be split between the City of Minneapolis ($150 million) and the State of Minnesota ($348 million). The State has issued appropriation bonds in an approximate amount of $462 million and will finance the remainder of the $498 million public contribution with available State funds. The stadium legislation provides that the City’s $150 million contribution will be advanced to the MSFA through the issuance of the appropriation bonds and will be repaid by the City to the State by redirecting a portion of the current “Convention Center Taxes.” The remaining amount of the appropriation bonds will be repaid to the bondholders from other sources available to the state, including the modernization of state-authorized charitable gaming that includes electronic pull-tabs and bingo and a one-time inventory tax on cigarettes, which raised approximately $36 million.

NEW STADIUM OPERATION AND USES

The stadium will be owned and operated by the MSFA, a public body and political subdivision of the State of Minnesota. This public body is made up of three appointees by the governor and two by the mayor of Minneapolis and includes the following individuals:

Earlier this year the Vikings and the MSFA chose SMG as the new Vikings stadium operator. SMG has extensive experience in operating major sports venues, managing over 200 facilities worldwide, including four NFL stadiums (Soldier Field in Chicago, Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, NRG Stadium in Houston and Everbank Field in Jacksonville). SMG facilities have hosted nine Super Bowls over the years. The company’s experience in that regard will be a fantastic asset as the new Vikings stadium prepares to host Super Bowl LII in 2018 and other major events. SMG has also committed to work with the Minnesota State High School League, colleges, and community groups to secure events that were previously held in the Metrodome. In January 2015, SMG hired Patrick Talty, a former WWE executive, to serve as the stadium’s general manager.

The 10-year contract with SMG includes an annual $6.75 million revenue guarantee to the publicly-owned stadium, which will allow the MSFA to build and maintain its capital and operating reserves to ensure that this stadium remains a world-class facility.

The stadium will require approximately $17.5 million annually for operating expenses/capital improvement funding, excluding approximately $3.0-$4.5 of Vikings game-day operating expenses, which gives an approximate total annual amount of $20.5-$22.0 million. Of this, the Vikings have committed to contribute $8.5 million for operating expenses (rent), $1.5 million for capital improvements, and approximately $3.0-$4.5 million for game day expenses, a total of $13.0-$14.5 million, or 63%. The City of Minneapolis will annually contribute $7.5 million and SMG will also guarantee $6.75 million in annual revenue to the MSFA to build and maintain its capital and operating reserves.

The Vikings and the MSFA will maximize the use of the stadium by attracting events that create economical, fiscal and social benefits to the State and local communities, including NCAA competitions, a Super Bowl, college bowl games, concerts, civic, community and not-for-profit events. In May 2014 the first major event for the new stadium was secured when the National Football League awarded Super Bowl LII to Minnesota during the NFL’s Spring League Meetings. The announcement, which came after several rounds of voting by all 32 NFL owners, was the culmination of months of collaboration by business and community leaders and public officials. Click here to watch Minnesota’s Super Bowl Bid Committee celebrate the victory. Also in 2014 the stadium was awarded the 2019 NCAA Final Four, and most recently the MSFA announced its intention to pursue a future BCS championship game. While the goal will be to attract major events, the MSFA will also continue to host activities consistent with historic operations of the Metrodome, including high school and amateur sports and other community events.

NEW STADIUM AND MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

MLS was an important issue for the Vikings, and the team ensured that an opportunity to bring a Major League Soccer team into the new stadium was included in the stadium legislation. MLS has plans to expand to 24 teams by 2020, and conversations regarding securing a team for this market continue between representatives from the Vikings and MLS. While the team is working tirelessly to convince MLS that the league should expand to Minnesota and play in the new stadium, no decisions have been made in that regard.

The new stadium does include a customized soccer-specific design plan that will create an authentic, intimate atmosphere to accommodate Major League Soccer (MLS), including a soccer pitch that will meet the 115 x 74 yard MLS and FIFA requirements. Similar to the experience in many of the European soccer stadiums, the seats will be extremely close to the field.

The stadium will include a turf surface, which is currently used in four permanent MLS stadia: Portland, Vancouver, Seattle and New England. The turf at all of these facilities has passed extensive FIFA testing and earned the FIFA RECOMMENDED 2-STAR status. “Football Turf” that earns such a status is eligible to host FIFA Final Competitions. In particular, the FieldTurf product at Providence Park in Portland has been cited as one of the best surfaces in MLS. Recognizing its durability and climate-resistance, FIFA approved Football Turf for international use in 2004 and the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru was the first international football tournament to be played entirely on turf. As turf products continue to improve over, the latest products will continue to be explored.

VIKINGS 2015 SEASON AT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

The nine season ticket price options range from $350-1,390. To see a complete list of season ticket prices and to renew your season tickets, click here. Similar to 2014, single-game tickets will include variable pricing; those prices will be released in the summer of 2015.

Yes, consistent with past renewal procedures, a seat relocation request opportunity exists for TCF Bank Stadium. The process will begin in March and run through May for Season Ticket Members who request seat relocation when making their initial ticket payment by February 17, 2015.

Yes, new Season Ticket Members who join the team at TCF Bank Stadium in 2015 will receive priority in selecting seats over fans on the waitlist and the general public. To become a Season Ticket Member, click here.

Several parking options exist around TCF Bank Stadium. We strongly encourage utilizing the Metro Transit Green Line or parking at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds (free shuttles provided) on game days; for more information on those options, click here.

The list of modifications, among other items, included a hydronic heated field, increased storage space throughout the facility, heating for various areas within the stadium, and concession upgrades in the stadium’s concourses. The Vikings also installed temporary bleachers to accommodate approximately 1,700 additional fans, bringing the total capacity to TCF Bank Stadium above 52,000.

NEW STADIUM SEATS/SUITES/CLUBS/STADIUM BUILDER’S LICENSES

Since the process began March 5, 2014, Vikings fans have committed to over 32,000 seats in the new stadium through the first 11 months of sales. Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment (VWSE), the company contracted to market and sell the SBLs, have now contacted all 2013 Metrodome Season Ticket Members, whose exclusivity expired in January 2015. Currently fans who joined as new Season Ticket Members in 2014 (nearly 6,000 new season tickets were sold in 2014) are selecting seats and will be followed by the more than 1,000 fans who have joined the waitlist. Sales to the general public is expected to begin later this spring.

Yes, the Vikings developed a fair system based on Season Ticket Members' current status and 2013 location at Mall of America Field that ensured Season Ticket Members had priority for seats at the new stadium. Now that all Season Ticket Members have been contacted, new 2014 Season Ticket Members are now selecting seats. New 2015 Season Ticket Members will then receive priority, followed by new fans on the waitlist and the general public.

If you are a Season Ticket Member who has not yet selected seats, please call 952-918-8599 to speak with a new stadium representative today or click here for more information.

The Vikings worked to ensure each current Mall of America Field Season Ticket Member was offered an opportunity to purchase seats in a comparable location in the new stadium. Given that the new Vikings stadium will have more seats on the sidelines and more seating options than the current stadium, fans should have an opportunity to select a location that fits their preference and budget.

Yes, Vikings Season Ticket Members and others can see, touch, and feel the new stadium at a new stadium Preview Center, which opened in March 2014. Every Season Ticket Member will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face with a personal sales consultant at the Preview Center to discuss benefits and seating options at the new stadium. If you haven’t already scheduled your appointment, do so here.

The new stadium will include 131 suites of six unique types, including 23 Turf Suites located directly on the field. To date, more than 75 suites have already been committed, and only three types – Loft, Turf and Norseman Lounge – have availability. Tickets included range from 10-32 depending on the type of suite selected. Benefits of being a suite holder include club access, field passes, VIP parking passes, access to other events, away game trips and more. Food and beverage costs are also included in the overall price. To sign up for more information on suites, click here.

The new stadium will include six club areas. Benefits of club spaces include private entry, restrooms and VIP parking access, “a la carte” food and beverage options and priority access to purchase seats for select other events.

In early 2015, the Vikings will unveil Club Purple, an all-inclusive space that features lounge-style seating and loge boxes accommodating 8-12 seats. Club Purple will serve as the stadium’s fantasy sports headquarters highlighted by innovative sports content distribution to mobile devices and 4k television displays, as well as video gaming and media broadcast integration. For more information on clubs, click here.

A Stadium Builder's License (SBL) is a one-time contribution that grants Season Ticket Members the right to control their seats for a defined term as long as they continue to purchase Vikings season tickets. SBLs are used to help finance construction of new stadiums; programs have been used as a finance tool for half of all stadium projects in the NFL.

SBLs are used to help finance construction of new stadiums; programs have been used as a finance tool for half of all stadium projects in the NFL. The economics of new stadium construction require a partnership between the state and local governments, the team and the fans. This new stadium cannot be accomplished without the support of fans, and in previous SBL programs around the country, fans have had positive experience with SBLs.

– Grants the right to a Season Ticket Member to control his/her seats for a defined term as long as he/she continues to purchase Vikings season tickets
– Ability to hold, transfer or sell the SBL as the holder sees fit after first year of the stadium's opening
– First right to purchase playoff tickets to Vikings home games
– Opportunity to purchase individual game tickets before the general public.

Currently 17 stadiums that serve as the homes for 18 NFL teams have used SBL programs as a project finance tool, making the Vikings and the Atlanta Falcons the 18th and 19th teams to use SBLs as part of a stadium financing package. Most recently, new stadiums for the Cowboys, 49ers, Jets and Giants were significantly funded by SBL programs. These stadiums have SBL prices that are more than three-four times higher than the program being utilized in this market. For a market comparison, click here.

The following parameters were established as the initial step in developing and introducing a Stadium Builder’s License program.

– 25% of stadium capacity, including more than 12,000 seats in the stadium bowl, will not include an SBL
– Various pricing zones were established, including some as low as $500
– Approximately 10,000 seats with an SBL are priced at $1,000 or less
– The average SBL price is $2,534
– Approximately 80% of seats with SBLs are priced at $3,000 or less
– Maximum price for an individual SBL is no higher than $9,500

Yes, the SBL program includes two financing options for Season Ticket Members to make easier, interest-free payments:
1) An equal installment payment plan, with a down-payment due at signing and interest-free payments prior to the anticipated opening date of the stadium.
2) A finance plan over multiple years, with a down-payment due at signing, interest-free payments prior to the stadium's anticipated opening date, and payments with interest available for five years after the stadium’s opening.

This program is priced three-four times lower than the most recent programs and is very much in line with programs developed in markets similar to Minneapolis-St. Paul. In 2003 the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers developed programs that in today's dollars would be in line with the parameters of the program agreed to by the Vikings and MSFA.

The most recent SBL programs (adjusted for inflation for 2016) include:

Extensive research was conducted with existing Vikings Season Ticket Members, previous single-game ticket buyers, premium seat holders, existing and potential team sponsors and the general public, which showed that an SBL program is very viable in Minnesota. In fact, the research showed this market could sustain a program of $200 million or higher. However, the MSFA, in consultation with the Vikings, developed parameters for a maximum gross program of $125 million, which is a reasonable program that fits with the Minnesota fan base.

The SBL will belong to the fan that purchases it – to hold, transfer or sell it however he/she sees fit after the first year of the stadium’s opening. If the SBL owner defaults for some reason, the license will revert back to the MSFA.